ten Hag previews Man Utd's FA Cup tie against Reading
Recently, it emerged that Manchester United considered signing Antoine Griezmann back in the summer. And, at that time, a potential swap deal with Cristiano Ronaldo was touted. The Red Devils were never open to that possibility, however, and they’ll undoubtedly be now regretting that decision given everything that’s gone on.
Jose Mourinho wanted to sign the forward back in the summer of 2017, shortly after winning the Europa League, only for Atletico’s transfer ban to scupper a deal.
And United were again linked during the years where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ruled the roost, yet nothing ever materialised.
Recently, Sky Sports revealed United had considered signing Griezmann back in the summer.
In July, it was reported that a possible swap deal involving Ronaldo and Griezmann had been touted - with the former looking to leave Old Trafford at that time.
Manchester United eyed Antoine Griezmann transfer deal back in the summer (Image: GETTY)
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But The Athletic say United never considered that possibility, despite Ronaldo’s desire to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
United were aware of Griezmann’s availability but ultimately felt the situation was too complex.
Atletico had loaned the France international in from Barcelona, bringing him back in 2021 after three years of struggling at the Nou Camp.
And with the La Liga side having an obligation to sign Griezmann permanently, it meant United would have had to go through a difficult route to secure a deal.
In the end, the Red Devils ruled out swapping Griezmann and Ronaldo.
Manchester United were unwilling to swap Cristiano Ronaldo for Antoine Griezmann (Image: GETTY)
United would have benefitted from a swap deal that would have seen Ronaldo and Griezmann swap places.
But that ship has now sailed and there’s nothing to suggest the Red Devils will revisit interest in the forward as Tuesday’s transfer deadline approaches.
Former Tottenham star Paul Robinson, however, thinks United would be wise to reignite interest in Griezmann.
“Listen, I saw at the World Cup what a world-class player he was,” he told Football Insider.
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Manchester United should have signed Antoine Griezmann when they had the chance (Image: GETTY)
“He was in the conversation for the player of the tournament. He has so much more to give. I wonder where he would play at Man United though because [Bruno] Fernandes plays in that eight role.
“Perhaps he could be an alternative to Weghorst or [Anthony] Martial up top. He is a very different style of player but he can play as a nine.
“Griezmann would be an amazing signing. He is still a world-class player. He is a big player for the big games. If United keep heading the way that they are he would be a very useful signing.
“It would be a statement signing even though he is at the end of his career. I think he would excite fans a bit more than Weghorst.”